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Rep. John Kriesel, R-Cottage Grove, saw his bill to expand the state's fireworks law pass the Minnesota House Monday 77-50. Newly legal fireworks would include bottle rockets and other aerial displays. Photo by Don Davis/State Capitol Bureau

"I know we can't bubble-wrap the world," Murphy said, but people can have fun without fireworks.

Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, offered and later withdrew an amendment that would have banned people under the influence of drugs or alcohol from shooting off fireworks or supervising children using fireworks.

"This is one crazy idea," Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, said. "You have come up with some whackos, but this takes a cake."

Atkins said a pound of fireworks is too much for many people to handle.

"If you vote 'no,' you are supporting drunk people supervising kids shooting off fireworks," he said.

Republicans did not like the idea of restricting Minnesotans.

Rep. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, said the Atkins' proposal is really read: "Thou shall have no fun in Minnesota."

Gov. Mark Dayton said Tuesday morning that he did not yet know whether he would sign a fireworks bill. It is evolving as it moves through the Legislature, he said.

Don Davis has been the Forum Communications Minnesota Capitol Bureau chief since 2001, covering state government and politics for two dozen newspapers in the state. Don also blogs at Capital Chatter on Areavoices.